The Memory of Darkness (on hold until October)

21 - Unnatural Deeds

They had been on the road for five days, and it had rained for four of them. The relentless drizzle was finally clearing, and breaks in the cloud revealed tantalising glimpses of blue sky. Father Dominic sat at the front of the cart, his back aching, but his mood cheered by the knowledge that they had almost reached the small town of Thralkeld, their destination for that evening.

Coren drew his horse level with the cart. "This place doesn't look too cheerful," he remarked.

"It's drab," admitted Dominic. "Though it'll do."

"As long as there's room at the tavern," said Gretchen from the back of the cart.

Father Dominic turned around, giving her a reassuring smile. "Don't worry about that," he said. "We're in sil Vaddrin lands now. I have relations here who will be only too happy to give us food and shelter for the night."

"All of us?" asked Gretchen, delighted.

"Of course," said Dominic. "There'll be stables too. Once we head through the town gates, just follow my directions."

They arrived at one of the most impressive houses of the town. With Coren's help, Father Dominic climbed down from the cart and hobbled towards the door, knocking loudly. He stood for a while, wondering if anyone was at home, or if he'd have to try another of his numerous relations.

To his relief, the door was answered by a man, who appeared surly at first, but altered his demeanour to polite when he saw Dominic's robes.

The Priest smiled. "Blessings upon this house, my son. Is the good Lady Ursula at home?"

His question was answered by a shriek of delight from within the house. The man was forced to step aside to make way for a short, plump, finely dressed woman of around fifty, who let out another shriek. "Cousin Dominic! How long has it been? Five years at least, I'm sure. What brings you to Thralkeld? Are you on your way to Estenfold? Yes, I suppose you are. How is Kyrvell these days? Still dreadful?"

"Just the way I like the place," said Dominic, before kissing the woman fondly on both cheeks. "It's good to see you Ursula."

"Come in!" she insisted. "You absolutely must stay here tonight, or at least dine-," her voice cut off as she looked beyond her cousin and saw his three companions. "Ah," she said. "I see that you hope I'll extend the hospitality of kinship to your friends... and their horses."

Dominic smiled at her hopefully, noticing that Coren received the closest of her scrutiny. Once she had finished casting her approving gaze over the young Knight, she returned her cousin's smile. "As if I'd say no, you silly thing! You're all welcome here." She turned to her servant, who still loitered in the hallway, expecting orders. "Help them to the courtyard and see to the horses." She clasped her hands together. "Guests! How splendid!"

The Priest welcomed the opportunity to relax in surroundings far more pleasant than the taverns they had stayed in for the past few nights. The room that Ursula had given him was a world away from any communal sleeping area, and he didn't want to even think about tavern middens.

Lamenting his keen sense of smell, he made his way to his cousin's dining room, thankful that she had thought to give him a room on the ground floor. He arrived to find Ursula there, but none of the others.

"Good," said his cousin. "I was hoping to talk to you in private."

"Is something wrong?" he asked, concerned.

"Not with me," said Ursula. "It's the town, the surrounding area, possibly more."

"What's happened?"